The Professional Quality That Led Seth MacFarlane to Host the Oscars

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How did MacFarlane go from writing cartoons to hosting the movie
industry’s biggest night? And what can MacFarlane’s
career teach us about our own?

In a word: versatility.

From the get-go, it was obvious MacFarlane had a lot to offer.
Not only did he write much of Family Guy’s early episodes, he
remains the voice for several of the show’s iconic characters
(namely Stewie, Brian and Peter Griffin).

MacFarlane has talent, sure. But he rose to the top through a
combination of hard work, taking chances and making himself
valuable multiple times over.

Here are five strategies to become more versatile at our
own jobs:

1. Never Say No

Before this year, MacFarlane had never hosted SNL. His recent
appearance gave him the clout (and the confidence) to tackle the
Oscars.

Say “yes” to new opportunities even if you don’t have a clue how
to follow through on them — you’ll figure it out along the way.

2. Know What You Need

If you have your eye on a promotion, ask yourself: What
skills do I need to get there? Be honest about what you don’t
know and then take steps to make it happen. A great place to
find those next-level skills: read job descriptions of other
positions in your field.

3. Act Like an Intern

If you want a certain skill and a co-worker has it, then use that
person as a free tutorial. Whenever you two have time, sit
down, ask questions and learn little by little.

4. Don’t Wait for an Invitation

Most people are busy and usually thinking about themselves. So
should you. If there’s something you want to learn, go get it.
Every skill you add to your resume makes you a stronger
professional.

5. Remember: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Even if you’re learning skills you can’t apply at that exact
moment, the time will come. By becoming versatile, you
prepare yourself for any opportunity. The more you know,
the more doors will open.

MacFarlane isn’t doing the Oscars because Family Guy is popular.

He got the gig because he can do everything the film academy
needs in a host: tell jokes, sing songs, introduce speakers,
command the crowd, and even reel off a few Stewie Griffin lines.

A little versatility will take you a long way.

Danny Rubin is a media consultant based in DC. He writes
News To
Live By, a blog that offers daily tips on how we can apply
the lessons of the news to our own lives. Follow him on Twitter
at @NewsToLiveBy.

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